Rundefeated

There’s a strange disease infecting the running community today. It starts harmlessly with a simple pair of shoes and a cotton shirt. Then someone tells you about the wonders of moisture-wicking fabric. Next thing you know, you’re scrolling online for sunglasses with anti-glare lenses, GPS smartwatches, TWS earbuds with “low latency running mode,” and running belts that can carry three gels, a smartphone, and the meaning of life itself. Somehow, what started as a cheap, healthy hobby turns into a full-blown financial commitment. But I’m here to remind you — running was never meant to be expensive.

I made a promise to myself years ago when I first got serious about running: never spend more than Rp.1.000.000 on a pair of running shoes. That was my sacred line in the sand. Sure, people called me stubborn, old-fashioned, and maybe a little too frugal for modern standards. But I stood by it. I believed that good running doesn’t come from a Rp.3.000.000 supershoe — it comes from discipline, consistency, and a pair of lungs that can still hold a conversation after kilometer six.

Of course, times changed. Inflation, economic shifts, and the fact that my favorite noodle stall quietly increased prices forced me to reconsider. A decade later, I decided to be reasonable and adjust my shoe budget ceiling to Rp.2.000.000. But here’s the plot twist — even with that new budget, I still find myself gravitating toward cheap, reliable shoes that get the job done without needing a personal loan.

One of my proudest discoveries was the Reebok Floatzig 1. I stumbled upon it during a casual window shopping through a mal, the kind of sale where you don’t really intend to buy anything, but you put something in a shopping cart because the price is too absurd to ignore. For Rp.419.000, this shoe turned out to be a little miracle. Lightweight, responsive, with a funky midsole design that looks like a wave of frozen foam. I tested it up to 10 kilometers, and guess what? No foot pain, no weird blisters, and I even managed a personal best on my neighborhood route.

Then came another unsung hero: the New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road. New Balance isn’t exactly known for making flashy, Instagram-friendly shoes. They’re like the humble uncle at family gatherings — reliable, solid, and they’ll drive you home when you’ve had too much soda. This pair cost me just Rp.545.000, and again, I put it through my trusted 10K route test. The result? A surprisingly cushioned ride, decent grip on both dry and slightly wet roads, and a design that didn’t scream, “I’m cheap!”

What people forget is that most recreational runners only run around 10 to 30 kilometers per week. Not everyone’s chasing marathon medals or qualifying for Boston. For casual to moderately serious runners, shoes like these are more than enough. You don’t need a carbon-plated racing shoe just to jog five laps around your local park. The marketing world has convinced many that running requires complicated gear — but your legs don’t know the price tag on your shoes.

And here’s the thing: expensive doesn’t always mean better. I’ve seen runners with Rp.3.500.000 shoes who still complain about foot pain, while I cruise happily in my Floatzig 1s. It’s not about owning the latest model, it’s about finding what works for you — and sometimes, that perfect fit comes from the discount section.

My cheap shoe adventures also taught me something deeper: running should stay simple. It’s one of the last sports you can do without a membership, a coach, or fancy equipment. You don’t need smart insoles that analyze your gait or sunglasses with built-in speakers. Just a good pair of shoes, a comfortable shirt, and an excuse to leave the house.

To this day, I still browse for affordable, underrated models. Not because I’m stingy, but because I love the thrill of finding performance gems nobody talks about. It feels like joining an underground club of practical runners who know the secret: it’s not about the price you pay, it’s about the miles you run.

So if you’re new to running or on a budget, don’t be intimidated by the supershoes and high-tech gear paraded on social media. Go ahead, grab that Reebok Floatzig 1 or New Balance Kaiha Road when it’s on sale. You might just discover that cheap shoes can carry great stories — and even better runs.